Phoenix Sedation Dentistry
Some children may feel anxious or fearful prior to the start of dental treatment, and may need more help than just the support of gentle, caring staff members. At Total Kids Dental, we have several options to help your child have the best experience possible:
- Nitrous oxide
- Oral sedation
- General anesthesia/IV sedation
Each of these options will be discussed below.
Nitrous Oxide:
What is nitrous oxide and why is it used in dentistry?
Nitrous oxide (also known as, laughing gas or nitrous) is a safe and effective
sedative agent that helps to calm children down by relieving their anxiety,
and can also increase their pain threshold making certain parts of the
dental experience (e.g., dental injection) more comfortable. Nitrous oxide
can also improve communication between the dentist and child, and help
to relieve a gag reflex (if present).
Nitrous oxide is delivered through a fitted mask that is placed over the child’s nose. The child then breathes the gases – oxygen and nitrous oxide – through their nose, which then quickly takes effect. Towards the end of the procedure, the dentist will have your child breath oxygen for a few minutes to help eliminate any residual nitrous oxide from your child’s body.
How will my child feel while they are breathing nitrous oxide?
Your child will feel like they are floating on a cloud and feel very relaxed
while inhaling nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide can cause a feeling of euphoria,
which, in higher doses, can cause patients to laugh (hence the name).
Children can also feel a tingly sensation in their arms and legs, and
feel like they are dreaming. These are normal sensations that will cease
after the nitrous oxide is no longer being breathed in.
Is nitrous oxide safe for my child?
Nitrous oxide is very safe and is used by pediatric dentists on a daily
basis. It has a rapid onset, can be reversed, can be titrated (dosage
can be adjusted), and is well tolerated by children. In addition, your
child is fully awake and can respond to commands or questions as well.
What are the more common side effects with nitrous oxide?
Occasionally, nitrous oxide may cause nausea and vomiting, however, this
is rare and typically seen when much higher doses are used. It is usually
recommended that little to no food is consumed two hours prior to your
child’s appointment to minimize the likelihood of nausea or vomiting.
Does nitrous oxide work for every child?
The short answer is no. Every child is different, and has different dental
needs. Children who are very young, extremely anxious, or have nasal congestion
may not be good candidates for nitrous oxide sedation (by itself). These
children may need to complete their dental treatment via oral conscious
sedation or general anesthesia pending on their dental needs.
Oral Conscious Sedation:
What is oral conscious sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is a technique that involves giving children specific
types of medication(s) to reduce anxiety and/or fear and increase cooperation
when performing dental treatment. These sedation medications help make
children relaxed and drowsy, and, unlike general anesthesia, are not meant
to make a child completely unconscious or unresponsive.
Is my child a candidate for oral conscious sedation?
Sedation is not a perfect solution for every child, so case selection is
key. Children that are overweight or obese, have enlarged tonsils, are
heavy snorers or who have underlying health issues (e.g., heart problems)
are not good candidates due to safety issues that may potentially arise.
Also, children who have a shy temperament are more likely to respond to
the medications in an undesirable way, which decreases the chances of
successfully completing the dental treatment in this way. Thus, case selection
is key to increase the chances of success and to minimize the risk potential.
Is oral conscious sedation safe?
Oral conscious sedation can be performed in a safe and effective manner,
however, case selection is key. In addition, the pediatric dentist who
is administering the medications must follow the sedation guidelines set
forth by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to help minimize risk.
What Medications will be used during my child’s oral conscious sedation
appointment?
A variety of different medications are available and can be used when performing
oral conscious sedation. Ultimately, it is up to the pediatric dentist
to determine which medication(s) should be used. Typically, medications
are chosen based on the amount of dental treatment that needs to be performed
and the child’s level of anxiety.
Any special instructions before the oral conscious sedation appointment?
Your child will be instructed not to eat or drink anything starting the
night before their appointment (this is very important). If your child
becomes ill before their appointment, contact your pediatric dentist to
determine if their appointment needs to be rescheduled. Be sure to tell
your pediatric dentist about any medications (herbal, over-the-counter
or prescribed) your child is currently taking to determine if your child
should stop taking the medication(s) prior to their appointment. If your
child has any underlying health issues, be sure to mention these to your
child’s pediatric dentist so that he/she may determine if a medical
consultation is necessary with your child’s pediatrician.
General Anesthesia/IV Sedation:
What is general anesthesia and when is it used on children needing dental work?
Sometimes dental treatment needs to be completed using general anesthesia
on the following types of children: Very young children, children who
are fearful and/or anxious, children with extensive dental needs, children
who are unable or unwilling to cooperate, and on children with special needs.
Without the help of an anesthesiologist, these children may not be able to have their dental work completed in a safe and effective manner. An anesthesiologist is a medically trained individual who puts people to sleep using specific medications, and then monitors them while they are under the effects of those medications. While the child is asleep and being monitored by the anesthesiologist, the dentist completes all necessary dental treatment.
Is general anesthesia safe?
General anesthesia can be used in a safe and effective manner when done
so by a well-trained anesthesiologist. The anesthesiologist will closely
monitor your child throughout the procedure to help ensure that your child is safe.
How does dental treatment under general anesthesia work?
When a child presents to the office on the day that dental treatment is
to be completed under general anesthesia, the following will occur:
1) The anesthesiologist and dentist will review everything with the parent; 2) the anesthesiologist will assess the patient to ensure that general anesthesia is still a safe option; 3) the child will be taken to the operatory room where the medications will be administered (sometimes the anesthesiologist will give the patient some medication via injection in the waiting room to help calm the child down so that the process is easier for both the child and parent); 4) once the child has been put under by the anesthesiologist, the dentist will then take x-rays (if needed), complete a dental cleaning, diagnose all necessary dental treatment, and then complete all of the child’s dental treatment; 5) once all of the necessary dental treatment has been completed, the child will be reversed and will slowly wake up in the recovery room
Once your child is released into your care, they will be tired and sleepy for the rest of the day given that the general anesthesia medications are still in their system. Your child should rest at home with very little activity for the remainder of the day. The anesthesiologist and dentist will review all necessary dietary restrictions and post-operative recommendations to help ensure your child’s safety and full recovery.
Contact our office at (602) 610-0338 to schedule an appointment for a visit in Phoenix, AZ.

Why Choose Us?
Modern Dentistry, Gentle Care-
Family-Friendly Team
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Modern & Comfortable Office
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Patient-Focused Care
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All Insurances Welcomed
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Services Available in Spanish & Farsi
